Soupstock primer

If you're planning on attending this Sunday's Soupstock at Woodbine Park, it pays to be prepared.

The folks behind the fund-raiser to support the fight against the Melancthon Township mega-quarry have already advised that the free event is strictly BYOB - bring your own bowl - although they will be selling them on site. You might want to bring a spoon and some biodegradable napkins as well.

But first, there's getting there. With 50,000 or more expected to descend on the south Leslieville facility, the Queen streetcar is sure to be a zoo, though there is a parking lot off Eastern Avenue for those who travel by Smart Car. And if you're worried that there'll be nothing to lock your bike to other than the occasional tree, you can stash your Bixi at the complimentary valet bicycle parking off Northern Dancer Blvd on the park's east side.

Now that you've arrived, where to start? If you've ever been to one of these foodie fest's before, you're sure to recognize Michael Stadtlander of Eigensinn Farms' psychedelic Partridge Family school bus parked next to the main stage.

Of the 150-some chefs paying homage to potage, the longest lines are sure to be for Susur Lee (station #80), Richmond Station's Carl Heinrich, Ryan Donovan and Julia Ayearst (station #44) and the tag team of Ursa's Jacob Sharkey-Pearce and Keriwa Café's Aaron Bear Robe (station #38). Station #79 - the Riverside Public House's Dustin Gallagher, ex-Origin chef Steve Gonzalez and ex-Niagara Street Café chef Nick Liu - is guaranteed to be one of the rowdier.